Unlocking the Potential of Bio-based Value Chains in the Baltic Sea Region

News

20 March 2020

Opening Conference of the BalticBiomass4Value project held during the Baltic Bioeconomy Days in Rostock on 11 – 12 March 2020

Location: University of Rostock. Photo: Nitzschke/FNR

The BalticBiomass4Value project aims to enhance capacity of public and private actors within the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) in order to produce bioenergy in a more environmentally sustainable and economically viable way by utilising new biomass resources (primarily, biological waste) for energy production. This also includes the existing potentials to utilise bioenergy side streams for higher quality bio-based products. The opening conference provided the audience with the opportunity to have a glimpse at the first results produced from the BalticBiomass4Value project, as well as receive the most recent information regarding the relevant research and innovation activities related to the bioeconomy.

The conference began with the presentation of the preliminary results from the BalticBiomass4Value project, whereas Dr. Trømborg presented how the implementation of a CO2 tax could positively influence the biomass that is utilised within the BSR. The second presentation from Dr. Krzyżaniak demonstrated just how big the current biomass potential in the BSR is, while Dr. Ulvenblad was able to show biomass business models relevant to the sector.

The plenary session began with an overview on ongoing bioeconomy projects from the INTERREG BSR Join Secretariat. Virginija Kargytė (coordinator of BalticBiomass4Value) was able to interact with experts during the closing panel discussion, which facilitated many interesting conversations concerning the analysis of suitable pathways for sustainable and renewable biomass use, especially from a regional and local perspective. The main topics of discussion were:

How to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement?

What influence does the “Green Deal” have on the BSR?

How can a higher added value in the biomass supply chain be achieved?

From left to right: Irina Pilvere, Rector of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies; Natalia Goleva, Head of the Department for International and Interregional Cooperation at the Committee on Economic Development and Investment Policy of the Pskov Region; Vilija Aleknevičienė, Director of the Research Institute for Bioeconomy at Vytautas Magnus University; Birger Kerckow, Head of the Department for EU and International Affairs at the Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR) and Member of the IEA Bioenergy; Virginija Kargytė, Project Manager of the BalticBiomass4Value from Vytautas Magnus University. Photo: Nitzschke/FNR

In the afternoon on 11 March, a national workshop was held with the aim to describe the current bioenergy status in Germany. The projects Grüne Kaskade and PalidiPRIMA, presented new potential solutions to be implemented within the biomass value chain. The second part of the workshop began with presentations from the projects RUBIZMO & GO-GRASS. The projects provide positive examples and success stories currently emerging in bio-based businesses. Finally, the first results of the BalticBiomass4Value business tool were presented in a dedicated poster session.

Ants-Hannes Viira showing first results for the development of our business model tool. Photo: Nitzschke/FNR

The third session of the project’s opening conference covered topics such as the biomass added value from algae production, the biomass supply chain in the Danube region, new technologic developments regarding alternative residue carbonisation, as well as synergies with the next generation of biomass disintegration using plasma.

The fourth session started with the MAGIC Project, which focusses on biomass production on marginal lands, as well as renewable energy technologies for sustainable development of rural areas and low-carbon agriculture. Finally, Mr. Aldag as representative of the Hanseatische Umwelt CAM GmbH, introduced the project CONTRA, which demonstrates the ability to collect and recycle beach wrack for compost and soil products.

The event contained the perfect opportunity to discuss the bioeconomy transition in the BSR.

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